To the International Community,
March 18, 2025 (SSNA) — The South Sudanese International Advocacy for Human Rights (SSIAHR) urgently condemns the indiscriminate and targeted aerial bombardment of civilians in Nasir, Maiwut, and Maban counties on March 16 and 17, 2025. Credible reports indicate that these attacks were allegedly carried out by mercenaries linked to the Ugandan government and the administration of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir.
This calculated assault has inflicted unspeakable devastation—innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, have been slaughtered, livestock obliterated, and vital infrastructure destroyed. The deliberate nature of these airstrikes is chillingly reminiscent of the 2013 massacres against the Nuer ethnic group, crimes that amounted to crimes against humanity. These latest attacks, allegedly orchestrated by President Salva Kiir, Minister of Defense Chol Thon, and Chief of Defense Forces Paul Nang, constitute a brazen violation of international humanitarian law and a direct assault on human rights.
An Urgent Appeal for Immediate Action
We call upon the international community—Ethiopia, IGAD, the African Union, the United Nations, and all global stakeholders—to act decisively and without delay:
- Demand an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities to prevent further civilian casualties.
- Launch an independent and transparent investigation into these war crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable.
- Enforce diplomatic and economic sanctions against the South Sudanese government and any external actors complicit in these atrocities.
- Mobilize urgent humanitarian assistance to aid the devastated communities and prevent further suffering.
This unchecked violence threatens not only South Sudan but also regional stability—silence and inaction will embolden those who wield terror as a weapon. The people of South Sudan deserve peace, justice, and security, not the continued trauma of war and impunity.
We urge you to stand on the right side of history—act now to halt these atrocities and ensure those responsible are held to account.
Justice delayed is justice denied. The world must not look away.
Regards,
Gatkuoth “Peter” Kuel, President